Stuffed Endive Appetizer

I’m officially obsessed with this appetizer. I’ve made it so many times now, I’ve lost count… In the beginning I was fixing it up for friends when they came over but that wasn’t enough so the other night I had it for dinner. So good. Up until this point I was never actively seeking out endive – it just wasn’t really my thing. If I happened upon a random leaf of it in my mixed greens bag it always got pushed to the side. sorrynotsorry – the stuff is kinda bitter. But this is a whole different story. Looove this stuff. Maybe it’s the goat cheese or the salty roasted pecans or that balsamic reduction made with orange juice that I could just sip on straight up. All together it’s a mouthful of goodness and you should make it for your next party – or for dinner.

Step 1

Cut the leaves off the endive heads and arrange on a platter.

Step 2

Give each leaf a light smear of goat cheese.

Step 3

Top with an orange segment and then sprinkle the whole thing with the toasted nuts and fresh herb. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Ingredients for the Endive Appetizer

2 endive heads

2 oranges

1/3 cup goat cheese

1/3 cup chopped toasted, salted pecans

chive or parsley for garnish

Ingredients for the Orange Balsamic Reduction

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

3 tablespoons orange juice

1 tablespoon honey

Directions

For the balsamic reduction bring all the ingredients to a boil in a small sauce pan. Cook for 5 minutes until reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Next, segment the oranges and place in a bowl. Cut the leaves off the endive heads and arrange on a platter. Give each leaf a light smear of goat cheese. If your goat cheese is not easily spreading just mix in a little milk or cream to achieve a more spreadable consistency. Top with an orange segment and then sprinkle the whole thing with the toasted nuts and fresh herb. Finish with a generous drizzle of balsamic reduction.

Wow friend my mouth is watering and
I’m drooling all over the place. This appetizer is freaking GENIUS girl!

http://earthyfeast.com/ Grace @ Earthy Feast

Hehee! Thank you Olivia!

http://www.thepigandquill.com/ Em @ the pig & quill

Graaaaccccce, this looks so gorgeous and refreshing and light and still…satisfying! And I say that even being kind of on the same page with endive. It’s kind of a take it or leave it thing for me, but I’m so intrigued. And of course you captured it BEE-YOO-TIFOOLY. <3

http://earthyfeast.com/ Grace @ Earthy Feast

Emily!!! Thank you! You’re the sweetest – I just want to wrap you up in an endive leaf and give you a big hug!

http://www.wholenourishment.net/ Katie @ Whole Nourishment

Ooh Grace, I really love your take on stuffed endives. I make something similar with orange, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes, but I love your orange balsamic reduction dressing. This really is the perfect appetizer.

http://earthyfeast.com/ Grace @ Earthy Feast

Thank you Katie! Your version sounds lovely too! Must try!

http://www.mynaturalkitchenblog.com Christine l my natural kitchen

Oh yum, I love that you had this for dinner – this would totally be perfect on a movie night (or, to share with company)

http://earthyfeast.com/ Grace @ Earthy Feast

Thanks Christine! I can say it’s better than having ice cream for dinner – which I’ve totally done more times than I should admit!

http://www.hungryinlove.com/ Emily

This is absolutely gorgeous. Resisting the urge to eat all the components as I’m assembling would be a problem. But if I can get past that hurdle I would be very down to serve this at my next gathering. Thanks for the inspiration!